RealGM Analysis

Our NFL Team Rankings are based entirely on the The Trench Counter, which is an objective formula measuring average yards per pass and run on both offense and defense, along with first downs registered and given up, turnovers for and against, and total penalty yards.

Over time, The Trench Counter rankings begin to closely resemble the standings but goes even further to determine which teams are truly the best when on the line of scrimmage.

We are also including the Bill Parcells/Michael Lombardi stat that we modified called Total Rushes/Completions, which is listed as the second set of rankings below.

The chief aim of the Trench Counter is to take the subjective out of the equation and even the somewhat fluky nature of teams actually scoring points, which is of course the whole point on a game-by-game basis.

In Week 13, the Seattle Seahawks both delivered a statement on why they're clearly the best team in the NFL while also essentially securing homefield advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs. It is hard to remember a team with a better shot at reaching the Super Bowl so early in the season based on Russell Wilson's 15-0 record at home.

The Philadelphia Eagles have ascended to No. 3 in our rankings despite having their playoff chances in serious doubt as they battle the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East. The Cowboys, however, are ranked 25th despite having a better point differential. The Eagles have a more difficult schedule remaining and also must travel to Dallas for Week 17.